18 AUGUST 2017

Cleverly Dismisses Bellow As A Serious Challenge

WBO light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly has dismissed Tony Bellow’s chances of defeating him when the pair clash for the title in Bellow’s home city of Liverpool on October 15.

Cleverly was originally slated to face Bellow in May after the Commonwealth champion stepped in at late notice after Jurgen Brahmer pulled out but he too was forced to abort the fight when he failed to make the weight. Cleverly went on to defeat Poland’s Aleksy Kuziemski instead.

Bellow gets his chance again on October 15 but Cleverly seems to be looking far beyond his domestic rival.

"Before I push on I want to get rid of everyone on the domestic scene and Tony has come along,” said the undefeated Cleverly.

"I have got the confidence to take this fight on knowing it is not going to damage my career. It is one of those fights that is a stepping stone.

"I think Tony’s talking earned the fight - he knows that. That’s why he acted like he did in the press conference.

"But I’ve got no issue with that. I didn’t have to take the fight, I didn’t have to come to Liverpool. I could have gone a different route.

"I am a born winner and the outcome is going to remain the same, I am going to stay undefeated."

Bellew dismissed all of Cleverly’s claims as and at Tuesday’s press conference in Liverpool, he said as much.

"He is faster than me but there is a way of negating speed and that is a fantastic jab,” insisted the 28 year-old challenger.

"But not only am I going to be throwing a fantastic jab, I am going to come back with various things, different combinations and power shots that he has never seen or felt. I am going to walk out of that arena crowned a world champion.